Tábua
Quiet Ribeira Brava parish with terraced farms and the Levada do Norte threading through it.
About Tábua
Tábua is part of the municipality of Ribeira Brava, with a population of around 1,684
Tábua sits where steep mountain interior and the Atlantic meet the sea, which shapes its layout and its everyday rhythm — fishing, agriculture, and increasingly tourism. Spending half a day here gives a much better feel for the island than only visiting Funchal.
What to know before you go
- Most cafés, bakeries and family-run restaurants take cards; small village shops sometimes still prefer cash for under €5.
- Buses run a handful of times a day on the north and west coasts — a rental car removes the timetable problem entirely.
- Old-town streets are tight and one-way; use the signed car parks on the outskirts and walk the last few minutes in.
Best time to visit
Tábua is comfortable year-round, but spring and early autumn give the best mix of warm afternoons and low cloud cover.
Location
South coast, Madeira · Open in OpenStreetMap · Google Maps
32.67310, -17.03640
Visitor reviews
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Frequently asked
Is Tábua worth visiting?+
Yes. Tábua shows a quieter, more local side of Madeira than central Funchal, and pairs naturally with the trails, beaches and viewpoints in the same valley.
How do I get to Tábua from Funchal?+
Around 35–55 minutes from Funchal on the VE1 motorway; bus 142 / 115 connects the main villages.
Plan around Tábua
The nearest town, viewpoint and walk — the three things most visitors pair with Tábua in a day.
Nearby on Madeira
Other places within easy reach of Tábua.
Plan the rest of your trip
The four guides most first-time visitors reach for.